Mary Beth Ginie has had a busy year, (including joining Women in Business), which has lead up to an exciting month, comprised of not only being named October’s Women in Business Woman of the Month, but also including her birthday and wedding.

Mary Beth has been a Financial Advisor for ten years, ever since graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in Finance. She is currently employed at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. In her position she provides families and business owners with financial advice and guidance.“I like to go beyond just investments and really work with my clients on their entire financial picture. This allows us to ensure our investment strategy is working in harmony with all of their goals and dreams. I love the planning aspect and seeing clients achieve their goals, it is most rewarding for me,” said Mary Beth, who grew up in Elmhurst.Mary Beth chose this line of work because she always had an interest in the stock market, investing and the economy but her real passion is working with people. This career has allowed her to blend the two.“It is the absolute perfect job for me,” said Mary Beth, “Touching my clients’ lives each day keeps me counting my blessings.”Mary Beth believes her ability to be listen, understand and be compassionate also helps her in her line of work.“Lots of people in my line of work want to talk, talk, talk but the really important thing is to listen to your clients. Listen to their concerns, goals, hopes, and dreams,” said Mary Beth.Mary Beth’s own goals include ensuring her clients have a sound financial plan in place to weather the volatile markets that we have seen recently. She also hopes to educate and share her knowledge with those in need of guidance and counsel in this area. She is involved with Dress for Success and a Morgan Stanley Women’s Counsel that helps women begin and advance their careers.For other women in business Mary Beth would suggest they work on their own confidence.“Never assume that everybody else knows more than you or is better or smarter than you are, don’t feel like an imposter when you accomplish something professionally. Be confident and proud of your success,” said Mary Beth, “…When you are in my circle personally or professionally I would do anything to support, encourage, and help you to succeed. Life isn’t a competition, I hope we all achieve brilliant success.”

By: Bill Bartlett, Founder & President of Corporate Strategies & Solutions-Sandler TrainingI am fascinated by the way clients, prospects and salespeople, in general, define success. It is usually very personal and intimate, and reflects their perspective on their own life. Some define it in terms of income as in “he who dies with the most money” is deemed successful. Others use the importance of their job to determine whether or not they are successful. A third group speaks of balance, though it is rarely achieved.We all learn to define success, and to a certain degree failure, at a very early age. It happens when we receive our first report card in grade school. Whether we were educated in a pass-fail system or an A – F system, the marks all of us dreaded were the words “fail” or the letters “D” and “F”.In my world of training and coaching high performing salespeople, success is a hard-wired mindset, not a result. It is based in these beliefs: I can always do better, challenges are motivating, and I can positively impact any outcome.We all have the aptitude to succeed so the missing ingredient is the determination of whether or not we have the ability. In short, can you succeed versus will you succeed? When I examine the difference between these two factors, I find four key areas that must be in place to ensure that “can” becomes “will”.Self-talk: All salespeople hear inner voices that either encourage them to overcome life’s challenges or retreat from them. Shad Helmstetter, author of the book, The Self Talk Solution, reports that over 70 percent of the thoughts in our head are negative or limiting. They create fear and hesitation, which prevent salespeople from taking critical actions necessary for success. Take the time to reframe your self-talk from negative to positive. Every time you have a limiting thought, develop a positive one to neutralize it.Baggage: There are two forms of baggage: technical (specifics skills that are relied upon to succeed) or conceptual (those traits that support them). Both forms of baggage must be overcome in order to succeed. Make a commitment to learn new skills and develop characteristics that support them.Risk: All salespeople have a risk quotient that guides their actions. Somewhere between risk everything or risk nothing is the right choice for all of us. Stretching comfort zones allow salespeople to take appropriate risks and achieve growth as a result. Decide to take bolder actions and examine your comfort zones as they have created a success trap.Beliefs: These are thoughts that have either been programmed by others, originated from past experiences or are based on judgments made through observation. We all need to regularly and systematically test our beliefs to ensure they are based in reality, not fiction. Challenge outdated beliefs and create higher performing ones to free yourself from a sales career of mediocrity.I recently read a quote by Melissa Arnot that made me think. She said, “Out here, we face the consequences of our decisions every day.” Melissa has climbed Mount Everest three times and was referring to the life and death decisions that are made during the climb.Success is the lifeblood of all sales professionals who define it the same way Melissa does—as being the consequence of their decisions.Go conquer your worlds!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbartlett To find out more about Bill Bartlett’s company: http://www.corporatestrategies.sandler.com/

By: Marion RuthigAs busy professionals, it’s not always clear how to start volunteering or helping in the community. Here are some easy steps to get you going.Step 1: Write down three things you are passionate aboutSome of you are thinking, easy – done! What’s the next step?For those of you that aren’t so sure, here’s a great way to figure it out. Take a moment to think about the moments so far in your life that have made you the most excited, where you accomplished something you were very proud of, a moment that you will always remember. Write those moments down. Now, ask yourself “Why” each of those moments jump out. What was the result or skill that corresponded to the moment? Lastly, write the passion that fits with that result.Step 2: Determine the amount of time you have to giveGrab your calendar and look at the next two weeks and ask yourself how much time do I have to commit to volunteering? Write down the amount of time.If you’re like me you’re thinking I don’t have any time. That’s the problem. If I had time, I’d already be volunteering. Right? Try this, write down how much time you will be working, spending with the kids, and/or with your husband over the next two weeks. Can any of that time become volunteer time? Many work places support volunteering and there are lots of opportunities to volunteer with your kids. Still have NO time? Is that really a ZERO, ZIP or possibly 1 or 2 hours? You can still make an impact with a small amount of time.Making a donation is also a great way to help an organization championing a cause you are passionate about and takes less than 5 minutes!Step 3: Find a volunteer opportunityTake your passion to the web! There are many websites that will help you find volunteer opportunities that match your passion and time availability. Use these sites to help you determine three possible volunteer opportunities, but do not commit your time just yet.http://www.isupportcommunity.org/ : find charities that share your passion, search by category, and watch video stories/testimonials (Naperville, IL area)http://www.volunteermatch.org/ : find opportunities by geographic location and cause category (Nationwide)http://givingdupage.org/ : search for opportunities to get involved based on your own interests, by geography or by a specific type of need (DuPage County, IL)https://www.google.com/ (You can always “Google it”)Step 4: Do your researchAs you’re looking at possible opportunities, “do your research.” Where are they located? Is that too far? Can I bring my kids? Are there volunteer testimonials or additional information on their website? Can I see myself there? These questions will help you choose the best opportunity.Step 5: Tell Someone About ItAfter you’ve found an opportunity and scheduled it, tell someone about it. It’ll make you that much more excited and committed.If you’ve liked this blog and found it useful, please share it, like it, tweet it and sign up to get notified when other blogs like it are posted.Marion Ruthig is the Founder & Executive Director of I Support Community, a nonprofit focused on educating, inspiring and empowering people of all ages to get involved. She founded ISC to teach her children that they are truly fortunate and to give back to her community. She lives in Naperville with her husband and three children.You can learn more about I Support Community at: www.isupportcommunity.org, Twitter – isupportcomm, LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-support-community?trk=top_nav_home and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/isupportcommunity.

For 26 years Peggy McGuire has been involved in strengthening families in some capacity. This work has involved everything from working for DCFS in investigations, working with girls in a group home, working as Director of Foster Care for a national adoption agency, working as a labor and delivery coach, running a hotline, matching families with children, working as a Program Coordinator and Parent Educator for six school districts and teaching parenting to pregnant high school students. She landed at Project HELP after her own children left for college.“I feel as if I have come home,” said Peggy, “I am surrounded by dedicated board members, volunteer spirit and commitment to children, families and community that is exceptional. The possibilities with Project HELP are truly endless and it is an exciting time to be part of it!”As the youngest of seven children, Peggy appreciates the gift of her siblings and parents and believes every child deserves to have strong roots and unconditional love. To that end Peggy feels that strengthening families has always been her calling.“This line of work is who I am. Plain and simple, I believe in a strong family foundation and all that it provides our community and our world,” said Peggy, “Strong family foundations organize themselves in every conceivable way but most cannot happen in isolation. Education, support, resources and community are necessary to help us all get there. I want to always be in action helping families become their best and strongest possible.”In her current position as Executive Director of Project HELP, which she took on a little over a year ago, Peggy works to make sure the nonprofit’s mission of empowering parents, nurturing families and strengthening the community, is executed. She does this by overseeing their counselor and volunteers. She is also responsible for ensuring that families get the highest level of care and access to resources. Peggy teaches and runs Project HELP’s Parent Education Workshop program. And, works to ensure funding for the program, with the help of volunteers and board members, so that their services remain free to families.“At Project HELP, it is ‘All hands on deck’. We are an organization with a small staff and a team of amazing volunteers doing incredible things for families. As the Executive Director of this organization, I am willing to take on any task, large or small, to make it flourish,” said Peggy.Peggy says flexibility and patience are vital in her line of work. She also believes that having a keen understanding of child development, brain development and family systems is an absolute must. She needs to know how to build relationships with funders and community leaders in one minute and in the next, be able to help a family through homelessness, domestic violence or divorce.During this fiscal year, Project HELP has served 122 parents with workshops, an increase of almost 100 since Peggy began working there. They also plan on increasing the average number of families being served to 32, up from 13 in prior years, and increasing the number of mentors to meet this need. They plan to also host one workshop a month throughout the county.In addition to being involved in the Chamber and Women in Business, Peggy and Project HELP are active in the National Exchange Club, are an accredited Child Abuse Prevention Center and received the National Parent Aide of the Year award last year. Peggy also holds leadership roles in many county-wide and Aurora-based Early Childhood and Youth Collaborations.“The days of ‘my clients, my children, my caseload….etc.’ are over, in my opinion,” said Peggy, “They are ‘our children, our community’. We are all in service together. You have to approach this work without your ego and embrace and enjoy the gift it is to really make a difference together.”To other women in business, Peggy gives this advice: Be patient with yourself and accept your own strengths and weaknesses. Delegate what you struggle with and let your strengths take you where you want to go and do not feel weak because of it. Work on growing in the areas where you need some help. Search for mentors, support systems and people who are interested in seeing you succeed.And because life can be feel very heavy in the day to day work at Project HELP, Peggy finds that laughter is the key to her happiness.“I fill my life with those that make me laugh and see the lighter version of this life,” Peggy said, “If I can’t find a family member or friend to share a laugh with, I go straight for my dogs. They love, respect and smile at me and they don’t talk. Seeing my pooches happy and oblivious is good for my soul.”By: Angela Bender, Marketing and Communications AssociateNaperville CARESHeadquartered in Naperville, IL since 1999, Naperville CARES is where the community comes together to ensure all our neighbors have access to resources to meet their essential needs. The CARES Emergency Assistance Program provides emergency financial assistance to pay for basic needs like rent and utilities. The goal of the CARES Car Program is to help individuals maintain employment by providing reliable transportation by either providing a client with a donated vehicle or repairing client-owned vehicles.www.NapervilleCARES.org

By Peggy McGuire, Project HelpThe most important leadership role you may ever have in your life doesn’t come with a paycheck attached. I believe, if you choose to parent a child, they quickly become your most important “job”. I have had the blessing of working with and experiencing, quite possibly, every single type of family dynamic. That is how old I am! I began my earliest career years working with DCFS investigation and then in group homes where the children were too dangerous for foster care. I then became a Director of Foster Care for a national adoption agency. I did this work for 12 years, and if any of you have ever had the privilege of working from home while you start and raise a family, you will understand why I began dying my hair at a very early age. I was fortunate enough to stay home and raise my boys while having a 24 hour national hotline in my home and manage caseworkers and adoption cases all over the country. It was life changing work and I know I was incredibly fortunate to be in that role, while raising 2 little boys. I love that Parents are given this option even more today. It can really be the best of both worlds for some families. Even though I loved my job, and the thrill in helping women through a heroic decision of placing their child in an adoptive home and another family be created, my eyes were always focused on my parenting. In the busy life of working and raising children, I sought out many mentors along the way. I just wasn’t aware I was doing it! I would look for those women who were parenting well, and how I respected, and made them my new friend. I thought it was part of staying sane and I was right!When my children entered school, I began my career as the Coordinator for the Parents as Teacher’s program through DuPage County’s Regional Office of Education. In this role I taught to the high school students who were pregnant and or parenting and did home visits, as well as oversee the home visiting program in 6 other school districts. We strictly worked with the most at risk and vulnerable families in these districts and we served them for up to 3 years with home visits. Here is the part that comes in where I think, in those 13 years, I had seen it all. We were, as educators, so incredibly critical in helping to lead, teach, protect and lift these children. I learned firsthand how isolated families are from help and resources. We became their life line when virtually none existed. I learned how as a leader of your family, it is critical to have relationships that are healthy, knowledge of child development, understanding the roles of temperament in your parent/child relationship and discipline to name a few. These things do not take money, privilege, or power to obtain. They take education and a compassionate knowledgeable mentor. I have always worked within programs using strength based models, and this has altered my entire life. It has 100% effected how I parent and how I engage with everyone. When you work with families that are struggling with basic necessities and trauma, you begin by working on their strengths and build from there. It works! It also works when you are dealing with your staff and with your teenager. When your eyes are focused on what is going well, it shifts the nature of the relationship and typically the outcome.Currently, I am incredibly fortunate to be the Executive Director of Project HELP. We are a Parent Mentor organization serving families with children birth to 12 with home visitation and Parent Education programs throughout DuPage and parts of Aurora. I feel like I have come home. At Project HELP we serve all families that want to become stronger. As we all know now, thanks to Oprah and Sheryl Sandberg from her block buster “Lean In” (run and read it if you haven’t yet) we all need Mentor’s to achieve success! We use a strength based curriculum and home visiting model. We are in a position as an organization to educate parents on child development, discipline, goal setting, resource allocation and so much more! I pinch myself daily when I see what the Mentors and Counselor are able to accomplish with our families and the wide range of issues that we are presented with. Now that I am a semi-empty nester (boys in college), I have my entire focus on building leadership among families, and communities. I know, firsthand the marathon leadership role titled “Mom”. It is one that needs some serious support. I love that at Project HELP we can be exactly that, for families. So, I bow to all of you taking on leadership roles in your chosen career, and at home. Search out mentors in all areas you desire success and some sanity, is my recommendation to you. Enjoy!Bio: Peggy McGuire has over 26 years of experience working with families and children. She is the mother of two son’s age 22 and 20. You can contact Project HELP and Peggy directly by going to projecthelpdupage.org or pmcguire@projecthelpdupage.org

Headshot courtesy of Terri Roeper, Roeper PhotographyQ. What is your role and duties at 360 Youth Services?A. I serve as the Chief Advancement Officer for the agency. I am responsible for moving the organization forward through fundraising, communications, collaborative initiatives and by developing relationships with key constituents.Q. What is your background and what led you to 360?A. My undergraduate degree is in Communications from Northwestern University; my Master’s is in Adult Instructional Management from Loyola University. I also have certificates from Northwestern University’s Executive Education program in Nonprofit Management. I have been involved in the nonprofit sector for many years as a volunteer, board member, staff member, mentor or consultant.For a number of years, our family has been involved with a mother and daughter living in Chicago who had been homeless. Through them, we have come to understand the many trials and barriers that those experiencing the overwhelming challenge of homelessness face. I actually approached 360 when I knew the position had opened as the mission so closely aligned with my personal passion. (The organization provides housing for homeless youth, substance abuse prevention education, and counseling.)Q. What gets you excited about your work?A. Seeing the incredible progress of the young people we serve. I love hearing about what they’re doing, how they overcame challenges and celebrating their successes with them.Q. Your work is to promote and raise money. What’s your biggest success story?A. Any success I experience is shared by many. One of our successes at 360 is to implement a planned giving program to grow our endowment. As part of that, we established a Legacy Society. The program is off to a great start. Changing a will or trust to include an agency represents the highest level of trust from an individual to an organization and it ensures a solid future for the organization.Q. You’ve been very involved in Naperville. What keeps you involved and motivated?A. I am constantly inspired by all the great work happening in this community. As I truly value a collaborative spirit, I am always striving to bring people together. My motto is, “None of us is as good as all of us.” Together, we are accomplishing much for many people.Q. What’s your favorite thing to do in Naperville?A. My favorite thing to do is enjoy the many fine restaurants in Naperville. My current favorite is Paris Bistro in South Naperville.Q. You were a familiar face at NCTV. Do you miss the limelight?A. I am really focused on helping the young people 360 serves. Their stories and potential are what drive me. I will always be NCTV’s “No. 1 Fan” and still do a few things as a volunteer for them, such as voice-overs. I loved my time there but appreciate the chance to work for a cause that aligns with my passion.Q. What advice would you give to women just starting out in the work world?A. Expect a winding career path and enjoy each turn of it. Each position expands your experience base and makes you better for the next one.Q. What is your involvement in the Chamber, WIB and community?A. I have been involved in the Chamber for a number of years. I am a past Chair of the Nonprofit Network. I try to attend as many Women in Business breakfasts, luncheons, Business After Hours and chamber events as possible. The networking is most valuable to me. I have formed many great relationships that I value both professionally and personally through the Chamber.I try to support other nonprofits as much as I can by attending their events and celebrating the incredible work they are doing. I am also a member of the Rotary Club of Naperville, Good Shepherd Church and the West Suburban Philanthropic Network.Q. Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.A. I am an opera lover. I was on the Board of Lyric Opera’s first young professional chapter which has since grown significantly. I met my husband at Lyric and we still enjoy opera together 32 years later.

By: Shauna WeatherspoonAfter participating on a panel discussion recently, one of the questions that came out of the group discussion was, what is YOUR personal brand? Can you define it for yourself? Can others? What messages are you sending to others verbally & non verbally as it relates to your brand?Know the Benefits of Having 3 C’s…

The benefits of being a strong brand are tremendous. As a strong brand, you can command a higher pay or fees for your product or service. You can pick and choose more selectively who your clients are, assignments you involve yourself in or the positions you want. If you are in transition with your business or career, it will be a smoother process if you are clear on what you have to offer and the direction you are going in. In addition, strong brands all have something in common, they all exhibit the “3 C’s” of branding.

There is CLARITY in their message.The message and brand is CONSISTENT.The message, image and brand is CONSTANT.Think of any brand you consider to be strong, any of them. Do they possess the qualities listed above? Does yours? (I ask myself this as well on a regular basis!) Can others recognize & identify with it on their own or outside of your presence? Keep working at it until it becomes “crystal clear” to you and others.I wanted to share 8 Laws of Personal Branding by Peter Montoya that I found helpful to me in business and area of expertise & I hope you find it useful as well as you think about yours…The Law of Specialization: You can specialize in one of many ways: ability, behavior, lifestyle, mission, product, profession or service.

The Law of Leadership: Your leadership will stem from excellence, position or recognition.The Law of Personality: Be your own authentic self! It is a law that removes some of the pressure laid on by the Law of Leadership: you’ve got to be good, but you don’t have to be perfect!The Law of Distinctiveness: You must separate yourself from the competition. An effective Personal brand needs to be expressed in a way that’s different from the competition.The Law of Visibility: Visibility creates the presumption of quality. People will assume because they see you all the time, that you must be superior to others offering the same product or service.The Law of Unity: Your personal life, your private conduct must mirror the public brand.The Law of Persistence: Stick with your personal brand without changing it; be unwavering and be patient.The Law of Goodwill: You must be associated with a value or idea that is recognized universally as positive & worthwhile.

Barbara Simkus’ career has spanned five decades, including the last six years working for A-1 Airport Limousine as the Business Marketer, promoting and marketing the company throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Barbara joined the company after being let go from another limousine service.

“I was let go because of the economy and my age,” said Barbara, “The same day that happened A-1 called and asked me to come work for them. I explained I only wanted part-time and I am lucky to have been with them since March of 2009.”

In her position, Barbara communicates with people about their travel needs while also attending meetings for five different Chambers, including the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. She has been with some of those Chambers for over a decade, both with her former employer and now with A-1 Limousine. As a member of Illinois Limousine Association since 1987, and a former Executive Secretary of that organization, Barbara also keeps up on all of the issues and upcoming events in the limousine business.

In addition to her business accomplishments, Barbara has acquired over 50 years of volunteer experience including being involved in the Carol Stream Woman’s Club (serving as president for 4 of her 53 years of membership), Carol Stream Historical Society (18 years), Red Hat Society (10 years), and Stitch’N “B”s sewing group (7 years). She has received numerous awards including the Carol Stream Citizen of the Year (1972), Carol Stream Special Citizen of the Year (1980) and the Village of Carol Stream Certificate of Merit for publishing a monthly newsletter for the residents of Carol Stream. Barbara is also a two-time cancer survivor as she battled breast cancer 16 years ago and leukemia 13 years ago.

Barbara’s advice to Women In Business: “Women who are in a management position (need) to be kind to the women employees, and some men too, who are dealing with small children and aging parents. They have to work and would rather be home with the children. They are always juggling family or job. Let them know how much you appreciate all that they do and you understand and offer to help them with different projects that they are involved in.”

Barbara enjoys travelling and especially enjoyed a 2008 trip to Italy to see Pope Benedict say Mass for Easter. She and her husband also enjoy traveling to their getaway golf villas in Galena, and also to Phoenix, Wisconsin and Florida. She has been on five cruises and numerous vacations. She also enjoys reading, sewing sequined calendars, working jig-saw puzzles, playing Soda Crush, Candy Crush and Trivia Crush and attending church.

By: Angela Bender, Marketing and Communications Associate

Naperville CARESHeadquartered in Naperville, IL since 1999, Naperville CARES is where the community comes together to ensure all our neighbors have access to resources to meet their essential needs. The CARES Emergency Assistance Program provides emergency financial assistance to pay for basic needs like rent and utilities. The goal of the CARES Car Program is to help individuals maintain employment by providing reliable transportation by either providing a client with a donated vehicle or repairing client-owned vehicles.

By: Amy Couper, Key Mortgage ServicesWe all want to do what is best to try and set ourselves up for financial success. There are so many different messages out there; sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start. Make sure you are talking to the right people when seeking advice. Talk to a person in the profession. Aunt Sally and Uncle John mean well, but is it their job to know the answer to what you’re asking? If not, you’re probably asking the wrong person. It’s probably not a good idea to ask your Attorney Dad to perform your root canal.

When it comes to your credit, there are a lot of mixed messages out there. Different advice is given for different purposes. Advice will change based on your end goal. Are you trying to improve your credit to buy a car, buy a house? Credit counselors will advise you to dispute your derogatory credit, because it will raise your score. That may be true, but it won’t help you get a mortgage.

Most disputes need to be removed to get a mortgage, and removing the disputes will lower your credit score, making you potentially unable to qualify. Some will also advise you to not pay your collection accounts. Again, if you are looking to get a mortgage, this may not work for you. Although medical collections are ignored, any non-medical collections with an aggregate total of $2,000 or more need to be paid. It’s also believed that 2 years after bankruptcy, you can get a mortgage. Yes, it’s true that you can, but only if you’ve established no new credit, or perfect credit.

Some people think that paying off and closing their credit cards will help their score. Keeping your credit balance below 30% of its limit will defiantly raise your score, but closing your credit cards will lower your score. Don’t open or close any new credit if you are looking to buy a home.Now we will switch gears, and talk about Savings. Another thing we all strive to do, but what’s most important? Most parents make the mistake of thinking that saving for their children’s education and leaving an inheritance is important. It’s a nice thought, but you need to help yourself before you help you children, because if you don’t, you’ll be a burden, which is worse than not being able to help. First, make sure you have a healthy savings account. You should have up to 6 months of expenses. At some point, you will need that money, a new roof, furnace, medical bills, unexpected reduction in income, etc.

Next, you need to get Life Insurance not only to cover the expenses for the loss of life, but to allow your remaining family members to continue to live the lifestyle to which they are accustomed. The death will be hard enough; it doesn’t need to be made any harder. In addition to this, you should also make sure a Will and Trust are in place, so that your loved ones don’t have the time , expense, and stress of probate. Plan where you will live out your days, and share your plan with your family so that your wishes are clear.

This leads to Retirement savings. Make sure you are saving enough to retire comfortably, and at the very least not run out of money before you die. Don’t assume you will die young, so you can spend more money. I’ve seen many use this “logic” as a way to avoid saving and planning. Chances are, and God willing, you will live a long and healthy life.

After all of this is taken care of, set up, and planned out, you can start saving for your children. If you don’t have enough to pay for their college, (and let’s face it, will any of us at the rate tuition increases?), they can get loans. Don’t worry so much about your child’s student loan burden, it’s much better than the “I have to take care of my parents” burden. At least the student loan interest is tax deductible.

Amy Couper, a 2000 graduate of the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, is a Loan Officer with Key Mortgage Services. She has been in the Financial Services Industry for 11 years, starting as a Personal Banker, held Series 7 and 66 licenses, prior to becoming a Loan Officer. She has been originating Residential Mortgages for 6 years. For Amy, excellent customer service and communication are key to creating an enjoyable home buying experience.

The owner of a boutique real estate firm talks about Naperville area real estate and predicts that 2015 will be the best year yet!Q: Tell me about Wheatland Realty?A: My husband and I own the brokerage. I started off with a national real estate brand. I really wanted to be client focused so we ventured off to create our own boutique brokerage in 2006. The best part about working with my husband is that he is strong in areas that I am not and vice versa. So as a package, we can fill it all the holes and provide a solid, comprehensive experience for sellers and buyers.Q: How did you get into the real estate business?A: I always enjoyed viewing homes for sale and I love working with people. When I had two personal experiences that I felt were less that desirable, I decided I could do better and got my license.Q: What do you like about your work?A: I love that it always keeps me on my toes. No two deals are ever the same. I can say that with confidence and after 11 years in the industry, I never get bored and I love the people!Q: It’s spring. Are you busy selling homes?A: I’m very busy and grateful for it! The Naperville market has sprung for 2015. It’s on pace to be the best year yet since the market crash in 2007-2008.Q: What are Naperville people looking for in a home?A: It often depends on where they are at in their life. Singles, families, move-up buyer or retirees all have different objectives. To start, the key thing is that everyone is looking for fresh paint and carpet. Then, it’s the amenities like granite and stainless appliances. Move-in condition is always the biggest home run!Q: What’s your hot button?A: One of my hot buttons is something called dual agency. It’s when there is one agent for the buyer and seller on the same house. But, how can one agent get the seller the highest price and the buyer the lowest price? They can’t. Sellers shouldn’t give up one of the key factors when choosing an agent, which is how they will negotiate on your behalf. Wheatland Realty has a no dual agency policy. I am very proud of that. We focus on what makes sense to our clients even if there’s more dollars available with other approaches.Q: What gets you excited about your work?A: The people and the challenge of running and growing my own small business. I truly love entrepreneurship!Q: What is one thing most people don’t know about you?A: I was briefly in an MTV music video back in the 80’s. I was 12-years-old and a dancer and I auditioned for the video, which was on a Christian rock band called Resurrection. Being on set with the crew was a blast. I couldn’t stay till the end of filming because my Mom said I had to go home to bed. But I still ended up in the video. Just don’t blink or you will miss me!Q: How have websites like Zillow, Trulia, etc… changed the real estate business?A: The Internet has changed real estate because everyone now knows what is for sale now. So our roles as agents have changed as well. Now it’s a matter of the consumer choosing which individual they want to represent them. Negotiations and representation is now a much bigger factor. The Internet really leveled the playing field allowing local brokerages to compete nationally and even worldwide.By: Faith Behr, Behr CommunicationsBehr Communications is a marketing PR firm that helps businesses find and build new audiences, raise awareness and connect with their customers. We offer a range of communications marketing capabilities: social media, digital marketing, direct mail, graphic design, public relations, website development and government relations. We know that successful marketing is built on three essential elements, sound strategy, thoughtful execution and genuine relationships.www.behrcommunications.com